Spencer Miles makes Blue Jays’ Opening Day roster, Leo Jiménez DFA’ed
Miles was acquired from the San Francisco Giants in the December Rule 5 draft. He has good stuff, but only ten games of pro experience because of multiple long term injuries which counted as Major League service time. If the Jays don't keep him on the Active roster* for the entire 2026 season, they would have to first offer him back to the Giants for half of the draft cost, or they could retain him through a successful trade, otherwise he would have to be designated for assignment or waived before he could be optioned to the minors.
*If Miles was on the Injured list, he could be replaced, but he needs to stay on the Jays' 40 man roster for the full season for his full rights to be vested. After this season, if the Jays still have him, he would have two additional years of options remaining.
Davis Schneider was given the last position player spot on the 26 man active roster. Leo Jimenez is out of options, so he can be claimed by another team, but he would have to be added to their 40 man roster. Options apply for a maximum of three seasons during which a player spends time on the 26 man roster for a minimum number of days. During the option years, there is no limit to the number of times that a player can be recalled to the active roster and re-demoted.
The options rules are why when teams need a player for short duration as a replacement for an injured player, they usually select some AAA depth player with some Major League experience, rather than a blue chip young prospect. The depth player is unlikely to be claimed on waivers if he's removed from the 40 man roster, and teams don't want to start the 'three year option clock' on young talent too early.
In the past, several players acquired by the Blue Jays in the Rule 5 have made significant contributions, including Willie Upshaw, Kelly Gruber, Jim Acker, Jim Gott, Manny Lee and George Bell. Unsuccessful picks include Mercedes Esquer, Carey Paige, Zech Zinicola and Ricky Rhodes.
Blue Jays' All Time Rule 5 Draft Picks
Miles was acquired from the San Francisco Giants in the December Rule 5 draft. He has good stuff, but only ten games of pro experience because of multiple long term injuries which counted as Major League service time. If the Jays don't keep him on the Active roster* for the entire 2026 season, they would have to first offer him back to the Giants for half of the draft cost, or they could retain him through a successful trade, otherwise he would have to be designated for assignment or waived before he could be optioned to the minors.
*If Miles was on the Injured list, he could be replaced, but he needs to stay on the Jays' 40 man roster for the full season for his full rights to be vested. After this season, if the Jays still have him, he would have two additional years of options remaining.
Davis Schneider was given the last position player spot on the 26 man active roster. Leo Jimenez is out of options, so he can be claimed by another team, but he would have to be added to their 40 man roster. Options apply for a maximum of three seasons during which a player spends time on the 26 man roster for a minimum number of days. During the option years, there is no limit to the number of times that a player can be recalled to the active roster and re-demoted.
The options rules are why when teams need a player for short duration as a replacement for an injured player, they usually select some AAA depth player with some Major League experience, rather than a blue chip young prospect. The depth player is unlikely to be claimed on waivers if he's removed from the 40 man roster, and teams don't want to start the 'three year option clock' on young talent too early.
In the past, several players acquired by the Blue Jays in the Rule 5 have made significant contributions, including Willie Upshaw, Kelly Gruber, Jim Acker, Jim Gott, Manny Lee and George Bell. Unsuccessful picks include Mercedes Esquer, Carey Paige, Zech Zinicola and Ricky Rhodes.
Blue Jays' All Time Rule 5 Draft Picks
